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During this time of the year fond memories of my life adventures in Naples Italy, come forward. In particular the various presepi displays in the churches throughout the city. Naples is considered the center of the world in the presepi creation craft.
What are presepi? They are Nativity scenes, hand made ceramic figurines. With the manger presenting the child Christ, and animals, and standard figures. An entire village representing daily life, humanity displayed in elaborate Neapolitan settings.
Workshops and artists who specialize in these creations work all year long. Craftsmen constantly carve and paint figures that illustrate Neapolitan life and the joy of play. Neapolitan presepi can be traced back to 1025. Church historians say that St. Francis of Assisi is responsible for the first Nativity scene.
In 1223, he found himself in the little Italian town of Greccio and realized he needed a place to conduct Christmas Mass. He found a nearby cave for the ceremony and constructed a manger for Mass. He added live animals and willing parishioners to dramatize the birth of Jesus.
The displays go up with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8. The presepi will stay up until Epiphany, January 6. The local Churches setup elaborate displays of entire villages and zones representing ancient Naples. There is only one rule: No matter how elaborate the presepi, Baby Jesus is not added to the scene until Christmas Eve.
Walking around the city and visiting these inspirational displays, while munching on roasted chestnuts purchased from a street vendor. Ah dolci vita! Christmas season in Naples Italy, fond memories indeed.
